30 June 1940 – 9 December 2021

Most official umpires have a sound knowledge of the game. The top ones will have a comprehensive knowledge of Law and will have played the game to a reasonable level. Those umpires who rise to the very top will have something that sets them apart. Invariably they will have that personality that allows them to manage the players and strike a rapport in a way that all feel comfortable, respectful and confident in that match official.

Such a man was Brian.

His man-management skills saw him rise to the pinnacle of his career when he stood in the final of the 1992 World Cup, held in Australia, between England and Pakistan.

His playing days saw Brian playing for the Merivale Papanui Club in Christchurch where he started in 1969-70 and debuted at senior level in 1971-72. He played much of his club cricket at a lower level in the third grade before turning to officiating the game.

Brian joined the first-class panel in 1979-80 season; his ability was quickly recognised with his elevation to the international stage. He made his Test debut in February 1980 when he joined fellow Cantabrian, Fred Goodall in familiar surrounds at Lancaster Park. Some weeks later, he stood in his first ODI between New Zealand and Australia at Carisbrook, Dunedin.

Brian stood in nine matches in the 1992 World Cup including the final.

His enviable record shows him standing in 26 Tests, 49 ODIs and 19 Women’s Internationals between 1986 to 1995.

After Brian dispensed with his white coat, he worked for New Zealand Cricket for eleven years as its National Umpiring Manager. Upon his retirement from this position, he was a ICC umpiring consultant in East Asia and the Pacific. As well, he became a regular match referee and the third umpire on television.

Brian was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal in 2012 for services to cricket administration.

Article added: Wednesday 15 December 2021